Charles w



(No Model.)

O. W. GUENTHER.

UMBRELLA FOLDER AND HOLDER. No. 534,744.. Patented Feb. 26, 1895.

WITNESSES: INVENTOH Ihwsrles'WE-uarhar,

NITED STATES AT FI-CE UMBRELLA FOLDER AND HOLDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 534,744, dated February 26, 1895.

Agplicatidn filed December 28, 1892. Serial No. 456,550. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES W. GUENTHER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Indianapolis, in the county of Marion and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Umbrella Folders and Holders, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my said invention is to produce a device which shall be an efficient and convenient substitute for the tape usually used to hold the sides of the umbrella or parasol in place around the handle, and which may also be used as a means of winding the folds of which the covering of said umbrella or parasol is composed, in folding it up.

It consists of a metal ring, composed preferably of thin metal curved in cross section and spring tempered. It should also be provided with a slidable union at the ends, whereby it may be adjusted to the size desired.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,

which are made a part hereof, and on which similar letters of reference indicate similar parts, Figure 1 is a side elevation of an umbrella or parasol folded up and held together by means of a ring embodying my said invention; Fig. 2, a perspective view of'such a ring; Fig. 3, acentral sectional view, and Fig. 4 a transverse sectional view.

In said drawings the portions marked A represent the handle of the umbrella or parasol; B, the covering thereto, and O my improved ring or holder. Said ring or holder, as above described, is formed of spring metal, curved in cross section, and has an inherent tendency to close to its smallest normal diameter. One of its ends has a long slit 0 which may terminate at its'extreme end in a hole large enough for a head upon the other end to be passed through it; and said other end is provided with a head 0 which is adapted to pass through said slit, and rest upon the outside, thus preventing the two sides from being parted, with a neck uniting said head to the body of the ring, of a size to pass freely along said slot. The ring, being a contractile spring ring, is normally of less diameter than its capacity, and somewhat smaller than the umbrella or parasol to which itis applied. By means of the slotted or slidable connection, however, it is capable of being expanded to conveniently receive the umbrella or parasol, as shown in Fig. 1, and, by means of its spring force, it will clamp the folds of the covering of said umbrella or parasol, and hold the same firmly in position. Being curved in cross section, and finished entirely smooth on the edges, it is capable of being passed down over the cloth forming the covering without in any way injuring the same. It should be twisted or revolved during the time it is being put in place, which is done by first putting it over the smaller end of the umbrella or parasol and moving it down toward the larger or handle end, and this twisting or turning closes the folds of the cloth together, in the manner which has heretofore been done by hand. This saves any contact of the hand upon the cloth, and the resultant danger of soiling.

Having thus fully described my said invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A device for folding and holding umbrellas and parasols consisting ofa contractile spring ring having its interior surface curved in cross section, the ends of which ring overlap, and are united, as described, to freely slide upon each other, said device being thus enabled to expand as the umbrella or parasol is inserted and still maintain a close contact therewith by its inherent spring force, substantially as described.

2. A device for folding and holding umbrellas and parasols consisting of a contractile spring ring composed of sheet metal, one end whereof contains a long slot, and the other formed into a neck which is bent outwardly with a head upon the outside of theslot, said head and neck being formed integrally with the metal of the ring, substantially as shown and described.

3. A device for folding and holding umbrellas and parasols, consisting of a contractile spring ring composed of sheet metahcurved in cross section, one end whereof contains a long slot, and the other provided with a head extending through said slot to the outside, the uniting or neck portion being adapted to slide freely longitudinally of said slot, said ring being thus adapted to automatically bear upon and infold the umbrella or parasol, substantially as shown and described.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, at Indianapolis, Indiana, this 21st day of December, A. D. 1892."

CHARLES W. GUENTHER. [L s] Witnesses:

E. W. BRADFORD, JAMES A. WALSH. 

